Manchester City vs. PSG: Luis Enrique's Pre-Match Press Conference

It all began notably against Manchester City in late January 2025, when PSG came from behind to beat the Sky Blues at the Parc des Princes (4-2).

A turning-point match that paved the way for Paris Saint-Germain's two consecutive Champions League triumphs. Nearly a year and a half later, the two clubs meet again on Wednesday, still in the league phase, but this time on English soil.

Luis Enrique was present at a news conference on Tuesday, the eve of the match, and his remarks indicate he is eager to face Manchester.

Q: All your attacking players are available for tomorrow. Is that a good headache before playing such a match?

A: "Of course, having all the players available is very positive for a coach. This match comes at the right time to see what kind of match we can play tomorrow. It's a motivation to play here tomorrow."

Q: You are not doing everything right because it's October, but your Expected Goals numbers are very high. Is that important to you?

A: "Is that bad or good? We started the season brilliantly if I think about the play and the chances we created. But we didn't have the luck we deserved. In the league, we have a different position. We are not used to it, but I am not worried. We are going to play away tomorrow against one of the best teams in Europe. It's a Pot A team, along with FC Barcelona, among the teams we drew. We want to show our level. We want to show that we play the same way at home or away."

Q: Is tomorrow the first big test of the season?

A: "Tomorrow's result has nothing to do with what is going to happen in the future. After January, we'll see when the big matches arrive. That's when you see a team's level. Teams change so much. It will be an interesting and fun match to watch. It's motivating for us to return to Manchester and play at our level."

Q: There is a lot of talk about the Premier League's investigation into Manchester City. What is your view on that?

A: "It's a lot of noise. You have to wait for the final decision from the people who will decide this. We are waiting. I hope everything ends well for Manchester City. They deserve to win all the trophies they have won. We have to wait for the judges' decision. The first thing you feel is surprise. But you have to respect the investigation and wait for the final decision. There are people who are responsible for making a decision."

Q: Haaland said he was impressed by the role of your full-backs. What does that inspire in you?

A: "Offensive or defensive? Great teams seek to defend well and attack well. We seek to play well all the time, like Manchester City. As soon as I have the opportunity, I watch Enzo Maresca's team; it's fun and entertaining."

Q: Six matches, six wins for City. Are they more dangerous at the moment?

A: "They are in a good moment. They have won all their matches. Manchester City lead the Premier League, with incredible players and a coach with clear ideas. It will be a fine challenge, a fun match."

Q: Tomorrow's match will be an opportunity for a nice reunion between you and Donnarumma. Is he the number one, as Dembélé announced just before you?

A: "The number one goalkeeper is one of the three goalkeepers of PSG. I really like Gianluigi Donnarumma, and it was very difficult to part ways with him in September 2025. He is a wonderful person. I love seeing Gianluigi Donnarumma enjoying his work in Manchester."

Q: We are approaching the Ballon d'Or. Who, in your opinion, deserves it, and do matches like tomorrow's help a player get closer to that prize?

A: "Normally, people talk to me about the Ballon d'Or first. I am tired of the Ballon d'Or (laughs). We have players who deserve it. We were one of the best teams last year. Not only Dembélé. Kvara, Fabian, Viti, João, Pacho, Marquinhos too. But the decision is coming. In any case, I am tired of the Ballon d'Or."

Q: What is the upcoming evolution of the new signings? Some have already scored goals...

A: "Players who have scored goals like Ferran (Torres) are positive today, but as soon as he doesn't score for three matches, it will be chaos. Then, for Mika Godts, if he doesn't score for three matches and afterward he scores, it will be Platini. In the first team talk I gave, I told them they'd be criticized all the time. When you score all the time and suddenly don't, everything falls apart. You have to get used to it."

Q: What role can your full-backs have tomorrow?

A: "It's my fourth year at PSG. Do you think I'm going to change and defend? Manchester City's defenders attack a lot too. I'm joking. Everyone knows how we are going to play, and we'll play as usual. The same way as usual. There are important details when you face Manchester City. But the mentality is always the same."

Q: Pep Guardiola, your friend, has a fine reputation here. He will be there tomorrow. What could you say to him?

A: "Nothing, nothing serious. You deserve what you win on the field. We have to wait. When I talk to Pep, it's a private discussion."